Lighting fixtures can come into contact with dangerous and deadly chemicals in many business buildings. These may consist of substances or vapors that are explosive. If the lighting systems can’t resist the unusual conditions, these locations could be at risk of fire or even explosion. As a result, making a poor choice is a risk you should never take.

For the safety and security of both individuals and property, choosing LED lighting for hazardous places is very crucial. There are a few significant factors to keep in mind when choosing the ideal lighting solution for any location. Choosing the most suitable solution also becomes an issue of safety when looking for the ideal illumination for a dangerous location. 

Spaces that need Hazardous Location Lighting

To regulate hazardous locations, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Occupational Safety and Hazard Administration (OSHA) have established industry standards and codes. Many organizations have also adopted certain standards that identify the overall risk for hazardous location lighting. These guidelines describe three broad groups focused on what is present in the environment, followed by material groups:

Group I: Areas containing ignitable gasses like Hydrogen, Propane, etc. 

Group II: Areas containing flammable dusts like metal dusts, carbonaceous dust, plastic or wooden dusts, etc.

Group III: Areas containing combustible fibers like straw, cocoa fiber, Hemp, etc

These are a few instances of locations and buildings that require hazardous location lights. They are:

• Plants dealing with dangerous elements – Metal fabricators, Steel plants, Alcohol manufacturing plants, Chemical Manufacturing, Paint stores, Printing and dyeing textile plants
• Public utility treatment plants – ETP plants, STP plants, Sewage treatments plants
• Spaces with highly inflammable materials – Petroleum and gasoline refineries, Gas storage and dispensing areas, Fuel filling stations

Lighting fixtures are not the component of an electrical system. The facility also needs to ensure that their transmission lines and switches are code compliant. They must meet the requirements of the highest-rated fixture installed to meet the compliance.

Consumers should also consider how different areas of the facility might be used in the future. At some point, a predefined storage closet could be used for chemicals or compressed gas. It is better to be safe than sorry and specify hazardous location lighting now.

Standard Lighting Vs hazardous location lighting?

Lighting that is not intended for use in a hazardous location exposes the company to a variety of dangers and financial consequences:

Safety and security: The greatest danger is an outburst or a fire. LED lights, in particular, have fewer components that, when exposed to flammable gasses or vapors, can cause or ignite a fire. When a fire breaks out in a lighting system, it frequently begins within the connection system. Some transmission lines have been in plants for a long time. Those may experience humidity deposition. A simple short circuit in the connection system immediately spreads all the way to the device. Fires or blasts caused by faulty fittings, transmission lines, or switches can have disastrous consequences over individuals and property

Penalties for noncompliance: Noncompliance with standards can result in harsh penalties, but that’s only the beginning. If the improper fittings are mounted, they must be altered with code-compliant fittings. OSHA, NFPA, or NEC/CEC requirements must be followed by lights established in dangerous areas by law. Businesses that are discovered using non-compliant lights in dangerous areas may potentially be subject to severe prosecutions.

Diminished durability: Stronger lighting is required in tough circumstances. They must be able to withstand dangerous substances yet emit as much light as they can. Fittings that are not made to resist hazardous environments are simply less durable, with a chance of fire or explosion too. They will eventually need more repeated, expensive investments. 

High Bay LED lights: A simple method to completely prevent these issues is to select fixtures made explicitly for hazardous environments. For instance, Hazardous Location High Bay LED is authorized for use in areas containing ignitable gasses, combustible elements and many hazardous locations. The fixture is corrosion-resistant with tempered glass for increased durability and isolates all circuitry inside a closed space to prevent any voltage spikes, and sparks. Be careful while picking up a fixture that is appropriate for your environment. With the highest level of energy efficiency, Maes LED Hazardous Location High Bay ensures brilliant, economical, and low-maintenance lighting that will support your hazardous locations for years to come.

Although it would be simple to classify each of these lighting applications as hazardous location lighting and even though they are all hazardous locations in their own forte, each poses its own assortment of challenges and demands for a specific set of light fittings to withstand the risks specific to that placement.

Safety and standards shouldn’t be compromised in hazardous areas. If you are still puzzled, contacting Hazardous Location Lights Suppliers and specialists to get clarified with these complexities for your lighting packages to suit your precise hazardous area lighting needs is essential. Maes Lighting is one of the best Commercial & Industrial LED Lighting Suppliers that has answers to all your queries and needs.